JS KIRISAME conducted a Japan-U.S.-Canada-Philippine multilateral exercise.

JS KIRISAME conducted a Japan-U.S.-Canada-Philippine multilateral exercise in the South China Sea with the U.S. Navy USS RALPH JOHNSON, P-8A, Royal Canadian Navy HMCS MONTREAL, and Philippine Navy BRP ANDRĒS BONIFACIO as Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA).
The Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) is an effort to strengthen regional and international cooperation towards realizing a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" that upholds rights such as "freedom of navigation" and respects maritime rights under international law.
The Commanding Officer of JS KIRISAME, CDR SAITO Naoki said, “Through the exercise, we improved our tactical capabilities and strengthened cooperation with participating Navies. The four countries of Japan, the United States, Canada, and the Philippines share strong concerns over unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force and coercion, and are important partners that support an international order based on the rule of law. I believe that the coordinated actions of the naval forces of Japan, the United States, Canada, and the Philippines in the South China Sea, one of Japan's important sea lanes, demonstrated our strong shared commitment to realizing a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific." JS KIRISAME will continue working hard to respond to any contingency at any time.”
The Self Defense Fleet maintains readiness and contributes to the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region, not only for the defense of Japan but also for the realization of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” in cooperation with allied and like-minded navies.